Vermont bed and breakfast inns range from quaint farmhouses to rustic country cabins. Vermont, the second smallest of the 50 states and the most rural of the New England states, is known for the scenic green mountains, its independent people, and interesting businesses, such as Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Vermont Teddy Bear. The state is easy to explore by car and staying in a Vermont bed and breakfast inn is an ideal way to meet the people of this fascinating and historic state. Below is a sampling of the bed and breakfasts of Vermont:
Northern Vermont Bed and Breakfast Inns
Northern Vermont is noted for its ski resorts, such as Stowe, home of the Von Trapp Family Lodge. It is also home to dozens of small, mountain lakes and the larger Lake Champlain, a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
- '''The Stowe Inn - 123 Mountain Road; Stowe, VT 05672;(802) 253-4030;
(800) 546-4030 - This conveniently-located 19th century inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The graceful hostelry boasts large wrap-around porches, 37 individually-decorated guest rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a classic game room with billiards. A full breakfast is served each morning. The inn is just a short walk from the art galleries, shopping, and restaurants of the Stowe commercial district and just a short drive from world-class skiing on Mount Mansfield.
Central Vermont
Central Vermont is home to the state's capital, Montpelier, as well as Dartmouth College, the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, and the Killington and Barre ski areas. It's also home to Woodstock, one of the wealthiest towns in the US and the site of dozens of restored Federalist homes and businesses.
- The 1830 Shire Town Inn - 31 South Street; Woodstock, VT 05091;(802) 457-1830;(866) 286-1830 - This charming Vermont bed and breakfast inn, built in 1830, features such architectural details as beamed ceilings and wide-plank wooden floors. Guest rooms are decorated with four poster beds and handmade quilts. Room rates include a full, hearty breakfast. The 1830 Shire Town Inn is within a short walk of Woodstock's Village Green and the shopping and restaurants offered there. It's also just a short, four-mile drive to winter downhill and cross-country skiing and romantic sleigh rides.
Southern Vermont
Southern Vermont is dominated by the Green Mountains. In addition to the skiing and other outdoor activities offered there, the region is home to several historic Revolutionary War battle sites as well as the Grandma Moses Museum and the quaint town of Brattleboro and the historic 18th century village of Grafton.
- The Four Chimneys Inn and Restaurant - 21 West Road (VT Route 9); Bennington, VT 05201;(802) 447-3500 - This quintessential Vermont bed and breakfast inn sits adjacent to Vermont's old governor's mansion and the historic Old North Church. It offers a wonderful combination of old charm and modern amenities, such as wireless Internet access and modern, private baths. The adjoining restaurant served gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners using predominately local game and produce.
Vermont is a great place to escape hectic city life and enjoy nature and small town America. The fiercely independent Vermonters are noted for their art galleries, antique stores, and small eclectic businesses. You'll also find a generous supply of covered bridges, restored 18th and 19th century buildings, and scenic lakes and mountains. The quiet life of Vermont can be contagious.
